Lots to do in Dayton in November

By Maha Kashani

Can you believe the holidays are upon us? 2012 has delivered some fantastic memories of the last year of my 20s, and favorite new hashtag to commemorate the official countdown to turning 30 (Approximately 151 more days … but, who’s counting?) is #YOLO – You Only Live Once. So much power in those four little words!

October brought lots of excitement, especially with my favorite celebration of the year … Halloween! Masquerage did not disappoint, Dayton Music Fest was a huge success and boy, have I enjoyed those quadruple shot soy lattes in a variety of fantastic flavors from Ghostlight Coffee. Maybe even a little too much … but, hey – #YOLO!

As we move into the madness of the holidays, check out some of these fun ways to stay entertained.

Did you know? The Dayton Ballet, Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra have merged! Dayton is trailblazing, again. This time it’s with the newly formed Dayton Performing Arts Alliance. Garnering national attention, this exciting and innovative merger has moved Dayton’s cultural arts scene to front-and-center on the national stage. With exciting collaborations and new ticket packages spanning across each art form, you’ll want to make sure you check out a few performances this year. If you’ve never been to a show, then keep your eyes peeled for ENCORE! Evenings featuring discount tickets and cool perks like backstage tours for Young Professionals. www.daytonPerformingarts.org

Glitter, wigs, sequin, lights, camera and ACTION! The Rubi Girls – Dayton’s sensational drag queen troupe – are back for their famous Thanksgiving weekend performance. This dynamic group of professional men from around the region has traveled from coast to coast raising more than $300,000 for AIDS-related causes with their high energy, comedic performances. Let me tell you, these fabulous ladies do not disappoint. This special fundraiser for ARC Ohio is guaranteed to be an exciting way to celebrate your Thanksgiving weekend. Cost: General Admission $10, VIP $50 (includes open bar) www.ARCOhio.org

Hee-hee oooWW! The Dayton Philharmonic outdoes themselves again with their season opening Rockin’ Orchestra performance, “The Music of Michael Jackson.”The audience will take an unforgettable trip back in time while paying homage to the “King of Pop” and his amazing 40-year career. Featuring hits from the Jackson 5 to Thriller to his recently released movie “This Is It!” guests will experience the legend like never before, right here in Dayton. With our phenomenal orchestra accompanying famous jams like “Man in the Mirror,” “Earth Song,” “Ben,” “Beat It” and more, this will be a show that you absolutely do not want to miss. COST: Tickets starting at $27 www.DaytonPhilharmonic.com

Want an early start on getting into the holiday spirit? Then check out the 7th annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting at the Greene. This fun event is one that my little sister personally loves to attend, especially for all the great photo opportunities. Kicking off the evening is the Beavercreek High School Marching Band, followed by a special performance by one of my favorite groups in town, Muse Machine. The tree lighting takes place around 6:45 p.m. COST: FREE! www.thegreene.com

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the famous Dayton Holiday Festival, originally started by legendary Philanthropist Virginia Kettering. Thousands will gather downtown to experience one of Ohio’s largest tree lighting ceremonies known as the “Grande Illumination” featuring more than 100,000 lights that dazzle the night, followed by the family-friendly Dayton Holiday Festival Parade. Can’t make it on Nov. 23? Don’t worry, throughout the month of December you can experience Tike’s Shop and Wintergarden Wonderland Windows at the Schuster Center, a family movie series, pizza with Santa, a gorgeous holiday train display, noontime entertainment in downtown’s office buildings and much more in downtown Dayton. Cost: FREE! www.downtowndayton.org

In my humble opinion, the Boonshoft is one of the best-kept secrets in Dayton. With exhibits ranging from an indoor Zoo to a Planetarium and even an Astronomical Observatory, Cocktails + Chemistry offers Young Professionals an exciting opportunity to experience everything the museum has to offer. Guests are invited to celebrate science in style featuring food, music and signature drinks, plus interactive technology showcases as part of Dayton’s Regional STEM Festival. This one-of-a-kind experience is guaranteed to be an evening to remember. Cost: $20, includes admission, food and one drink voucher. Cash bar available. www.boonshoftmuseum.org

Want to learn more about fun and unique ways to stay entertained? Then please “like” me on Facebook www.Facebook.com/MMATC and “follow” me on Twitter @MissMaha and I will keep you in the know. Remember, #YOLO! Cheers, my friends.